OTD| Sachin Tendulkar became the first batter to score a double hundred in ODIs

This article will discuss OTD Sachin Tendulkar became the first batter to score a double hundred in ODIs’ player to score a double century in an ODI match. Sachin Tendulkar, in his long career, made and broke several records, but, on this day, he made a record that was considered to be simply impossible. On this day, he became the first-ever player to score a double century in an ODI match. Sachin achieved this milestone against South Africa in the second match of the ODI series between India and South Africa in Gwalior. 

Sachin breaks the barrier

India opted to bat first after winning the toss, but the visitors gave an early setback by dismissing Virender Sehwag. It was an early breakthrough for South Africa; however, they could not continue the momentum as Sachin Tendulkar and Dinesh Karthik built a crucial partnership. The two added almost two hundred runs and this stand for the second wicket put India in a steady position. 

After toiling hard, South Africa had a success as they sent Dinesh Karthik back to the pavilion. Karthik scored 79 runs off 85 balls and his contribution was significant as an early setback could have troubled India. Even after Karthik’s dismissal, Sachin was unperturbed and continued scoring runs to extend India’s total. The veteran Indian batter had started accelerating as he knew the conditions were conducive to adding runs at a rapid rate. He was assisted by Yusuf Pathan who faced 23 deliveries and scored 36 runs. This run-scoring was carried on by the Indian skipper MS Dhoni. In the last 10 overs, it was a show of firepower dished out by Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni. 

Sachin completed his double century in the very last over to achieve something that was unthinkable. Scoring a double century in an ODI match seemed beyond the imagination of any batter but legends are those who transcend the limits of imagination and Sachin did exactly the same. Courtesy of Sachin’s double century and Dhoni’s explosive cameo India ended up with 401 runs in the first innings. Eventually, the Men in Blue won the match by 153 runs to take an unassailable lead in the ODI series.